Africa

Guinea

{This graph represents scores that have been modified by CIMA so that higher scores indicate a better media situation. It is intended to show trends over time; each index measures significantly different factors of press freedom. To see an explanation for how this graph was created, click here.}

IREX Score: 2.21	[IREX Methodology]
{Higher is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 4.00}

IREX Description:

In December 2009, Brigadier General Sékouba Konaté was named interim president. His promise of free and transparent elections in June 2010 gave Guineans cause for hope.

Guinea's professional media associations, including the Guinean Union of Free Radio and Television Broadcasters (known by its French acronym, URTELGUI), launched an all-out offensive against the National Media Council (known by its French acronym, CNC) to defend democratic liberties and freedom of the press. Media associations also condemned the heavy-handed violence against reporters on September 28, 2009.

Although CNC undermined press freedom by banning private radio stations from broadcasting political programs, people may express themselves freely on the airwaves and in foreign media outlets. Over the past few years, 20 or so private radio stations have joined the airwaves. Community radio stations now blanket almost all of the country, providing Guineans with a diverse range of information.

Internet affordability continues to improve, with new media options filling the gaps left by the traditional press. In the capital, people can listen to international channels easily.

Much work remains, however, in the area of media professionalism and in updating the facilities of most media outlets to compete on a global scale. Further, Guinea's struggling economy impacts business management, and by extension the ability of media to upgrade equipment. Panelists showed optimism, even if overall their scores showed little overall change compared to last year.

Africa

Guinea

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Freedom House Score: 59 (Not Free)	[Freedom House Methodology]
{Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100}